Fairfax Sexual Assault Suspect Tied To 7 More Crimes

FAIRFAX, VA—Police investigations have found the suspect in last week's sexual assault in Fairfax could have committed similar crimes.

On Friday Police arrested and charged Jeremiah Whitmore Tolley, 21, of Fairfax for sexually assaulting a woman on a walking trail Thursday. Police announced Tuesday he faces seven additional sexual assault charges for incidents dating back to late August.

In Thursday's incident, police say the woman was walking alone on the trail Waples Mill Road and Random Hills Road when the suspect grabbed her from behind and groped her. The victim got free when a passing car spooked him and he fled. The victim was not injured.

Police had investigated whether Tolley had ties to other assaults after five assaults were reported in the Fairfax area involving women walking on trails in the evening.

Anyone with information about these crimes or victims of assaults that have not reported to police should call Detective N. Porter at 703-591-0966, Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 or submit a tip online through Crime Solvers.

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Authorities encourage residents to follow the following safety precautions:

• Walk or run with others in familiar areas.
• Do not run, jog, or walk in a poorly lit or secluded area or after dark.
• Do not wear a headphones or earbuds.
• Switch up your route and pattern so your actions aren’t predictable.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.

Image via Fairfax County Police